FURIOUS MPs yesterday blasted reports they were plotting to sneak through a bumper pay rise.

The parliamentarians were accused of preparing to award themselves a massive 22 per cent wage increase, bringing their basic pay to £72,000 a year - 10 times the rate of inflation.

Ann Clwyd, leader of backbench Labour MPs, admitted she had held secret talks with her Tory counterpart Sir Michael Spicer to discuss the annual pay rise.

But she angrily denied the 22 per cent claim in one Sunday newspaper as 'bulls**t'.

Mrs Clwyd said: "We looked at several issues but no figure was discussed."

Backbench MPs are said to be annoyed that a Senior Salaries Review Body recommendation that their pay be linked to that of headteachers and police chiefs was rejected four years ago.

The timing of the reports could not be worse for MPs following last week's call that workers put off retirement until the age of 68.

Chancellor Gordon Brown also recently warned that pay rises should be limited to two per cent.

Shadow Chancellor George Osborne said: "It's crazy to let MPs decide their own salaries. This should be set by the same people who do civil service pay, teacher's pay and so on."

Europe Minister Douglas Alexander said: "We need responsibility as MPs if we are asking for responsibility from other people."

Outgoing Tory leader Michael Howard told Sky TV: "I think that talk of a 22 per cent increase is not sustainable when we need to get a grip on public sector pay. So no, I wouldn't vote for a 22 per cent increase."

Liberal Democrat spokesman Vince Cable added: "A 22 per cent rise would send completely the wrong signal at a time when many people are being subjected to considerable pay restraint."

MPs already enjoy generous pension arrangements with an annual salary of £59,095 which can be closer to £100,000 with expenses and allowances.